Contents of the DISKOPS.DOC file

This program provides the PC and Compatible user with the means to view and set floppy-disk control parameters. The program comes to you named as DISKOPS.EXE but you may rename it to whatever you wish.

The program is utilized in three distinct ways;

(1) to show current floppy parameters either from the command line or from a batch file.

(2) to load edited parameters into your system, via the command line or from a batch file.

(3) as an Editor invoked from the command line.

The first time you invoke the program, it records the current floppy disk parameters of your system. After this first time, the program can recall those settings. They are referred to as "ORIGINAL" in the editor. Reboot your system before first running the program! This will assure that the program records your settings as provided by BIOS and DOS. If you use some sort of program to modify your disk parameters, boot your system with a DOS floppy disk.

It is imperative that the first run be accomplished as follows;

(1) Be sure that no other utility is modifying the disk parameter ram area in your system. Boot up with a DOS diskette if not certain.

The program is very easy to operate, once you learn and understand the command keys. A typical menu screen is shown below. While it doesn't show in this text, a hilite bar will appear over the menu item to be changed.

You can move the hilite bar to select a different item by using the up-arrow and down-arrow keys. The values are modified using the right-arrow (increase) and left-arrow (decrease) keys.

FLOPPY DISK PARAMETERS

STEPRATE = 6 mSec

HdLoad = 2 mSec

HdUnload = 240 mSec

HdSettle = 1 mSec

MotStart = 1 Sec

MotOnTim = 2 Sec

The Function keys are used as follows;

(F1) help screen. (F5) saves the current edit values within the program. (F9) recalls the parameters last saved with F5. (F10) recalls the ORIGINAL system parameters.

To use the program as an Editor, you would first take the steps outlined above to record the standard parameters that your system uses. Type the program name and you will be in the editor. Each time you start the program, it will display the current parameters, being used by your system.

Use the arrow keys to select and change the parameters. Exit the program using the ENTER key. Test your floppy disk performance.

It is necessary to exit the program to test any parameter changes. The testing is performed by running whatever utilities you may have. Some testing can be done by simply viewing the disk directory, as with motor times. Other testing is best performed using utilities that read the entire disk. Golden Bow's VRD.COM and Norton's DT.COM are good choices. Any similar routine is fine. If you have no utilities, then perform testing by formatting a disk and measuring the relative time changes verses parameter changes.

If your trial values result in disaster, get back to the DOS prompt. Invoke Diskops, press F10 to recall the ORIGINAL parameters, and try again.

If you discover a parameter setup that enhances your floppy performance, you can save it (within the program) by pressing the F5 key. This will permit loading these new values to your system automatically, as outlined below. To recall that set of parameters, press F9. To recall the ORIGINAL recorded parameters, press F10. The parameters in the window are in effect, when you press the ENTER key.

Parameters that are saved using the F5 keystroke, can be loaded from a batch file by issuing this command;

DISKOPS L (L is for LOAD)

Be sure that you have saved these parameters (using F5), before you try this. The program does not check to see if you are making a mistake! Loading zero values into your system control area will result in improper floppy disk operation!

Automatic loading of edited parameters can be accomplished by adding the above command to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Be sure to specify the drive and path where you store DISKOPS.EXE.

Showing Current Parameters

Your current floppy disk control parameters may be viewed by issuing the command;

Be careful. Change only one parameter at a time. Study the ORIGINAL parameters. They reflect what works! You will find that some values are very conservative.

The steprate value will usually be 6 to 12 mSec, depending on the age and type of system. DO NOT SET STEPRATE TO ZERO. Your 360k drives may work but its doubtful that your 1.2 Meg drives will function properly. I recommend that you try a steprate of 3 mSec. This should improve speed and quiet the drives.

The motor START and ON times are usually set at 1 and 2 seconds respectively. I recommend that you try ZERO for the START value and make the ON value as large as possible. You could extend the value to 5 or more seconds after the last access! I use the maximum value of 14 seconds. I have been doing this for over a year with no side effects or problems. Indeed, I notice that if a drive is already running, the access to it is almost instantaneous. This is excellent for interactive work between floppys and your hard disk! If you worry that you'll damage your head or disks then use more conservative values.

The load and unload values show some change but usually don't do much for my 386 AT. XT users may find that these values are very effective for enhanced performance!

XT drive motors run continuously but have the ability to load and unload the R/W head. AT drives have the R/W head manually (when you turn the lever) loaded, and control the motor. Since I haven't tried this program on an XT class machine, I would appreciate hearing from someone who has.

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If you find the DISKOPS program useful, then consider sending a donation to the author. A registration form is included for your convenience.

If you wish to contact me, I can be reached at the following Boston area Bulletin boards. I will try to field general questions, for those performing a trial of the program, via the Turbo Pascal and Shareware echoed conferences.

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Xevious BBS (300/1200/2400/9600 - HST, 8N1)

Nels Anderson - Sysop

1-508-875-3618 1-617-449-7322

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InfoWorks BBS (300/1200/2400 - 8N1)

Bob Baumer - Sysop

1-617-923-7373

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THANKS TO ---------

Let me take this opportunity to say;

Many thanks to the 'sysops', named above, that have allowed me to list their BBS boards for E-mail exchange.

Special thanks to the authors of the Pascal Unit that made certain program features easy to implement. I am including the credits listed in their excellent PUBLIC DOMAIN work;

The DISK-OPS program, its documentation, and last minute README files are provided "AS IS", without warrantee of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation, fitness for a particular purpose or performance. By using the program, or acting on the information included herein, you EXPLICITLY AGREE TO ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK, for any result, performance, or lack of performance, including damage to data or property.

Neither Thomas Price, nor his agents (perceived or otherwise), nor any third parties shall be liable to you, for any use of this program (including any inability to use), for its performance, for any incidental or consequential damages, or for any claim by any other party. ______________________________________________________________________